For most people, May 25 was simply another Thursday. For 500-plus students in royal blue caps and gowns it was a milestone: the 44

Just after 7 p.m. with bagpipers leading the way, the class of 2006 began the procession. Student speaker Kim Orlando reminded her classmates how they'd made it.

"This is a day to celebrate, a day to add to our scrapbooks, a day to remember," she said, noting that her decision to return to college to enroll in the nursing program was difficult given that it meant juggling work, school and family. "We have not made it alone. Others have also made sacrifices to help us."

Orlando offered gratitude to family members and friends who lent assistance when times were tight, as well as to the faculty who encouraged all students on their educational journey.

For his dedication to teaching and his instillation of enthusiasm in his students, Jim Shaw, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, was given the Excellence in Teaching Award. "We are humbled by the subject material and the way this man teaches," said President Kathleen Schatzberg.

An honorary degree was conferred upon Carol Chichetto of Brewster for her tireless efforts regarding domestic violence awareness. Chichetto, the backbone of The Clothesline Project, a grassroots endeavor that began on Cape Cod, is instrumental in bringing the display of Clothesline shirts designed by survivors of domestic violence to the college each year.

Diane Kovanda of Centerville was named Alumna of the Year. She came to the Cape in 1968 after escaping with her mother from what was then Russian-occupied Czechoslovakia. In spite of a language barrier, Kovanda learned English and went on to attend 4Cs, as well as earn a Master's in Education from Cambridge College.

"Diane calls Cape Cod home and has given back to this community in so many ways," Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of commerce, said in her remarks. "Diane has followed her dreams of providing health and wellness support by studying various forms of complementary healthcare and it is now our pleasure to welcome her back as Alumna of the Year."

A moving tribute to the graduates came from commencement speaker Jackie Jenkins-Scott, president of Boston's Wheelock College. "Each of our graduates are here tonight having achieved a very significant accomplishment," she said. "You set a goal, you worked hard and you achieved your goal."

In her deeply personal speech, Jenkins recounted her struggles as the great granddaughter of slaves, and as the first in her family to attend college. "I am a living example of the "American Dream," she said. "I know first hand that America -- with all its warts, problems and issues -- is still a place where dreams can come true."

Jenkins-Scott advised each of the graduates to become catalysts for change: "In our personal lives, in the communities in which we live and work, in our nation, and indeed, in the world."

Then it was time for the moment those in blue caps were waiting for: diplomas. One by one the graduates accepted their degrees to the cheers, whistles, and tears of joy from loved ones in the crowd.

When all was said and done, it was clear that many were still considering the admonishment of their classmate Orlando, who said, "I challenge you to make a difference in the world."